Have you ever been to a tea party? I mean a real, grown up tea party? One with finger sandwiches and scones? The closest I have been to a tea party involved plastic pink cups and, on rare occasions of feeling adventurous or motherly, iced tea and Oreos. I’ve noticed lately an increase in tea stores which offer tea service and parties. The thought intrigued me and was added to my mental “to do” list each time I drove past. Sadly, I haven’t quite made it inside for high tea, low tea, or any other kind of tea.
Last weekend, the women’s ministry at my church hosted a Women’s Tea complete with exquisite cups and saucers with dainty flowers painted on them. The tables were decorated with elegant tea pots, floral arrangements, and decorative books about tea. There were cucumber sandwiches and multiple types of scones. Silver trays displayed an assortment of tiny triangle sandwiches filled with fruits, nuts, and other foods that I never dreamt would be combined and spread on slices of bread. There were cookies and cakes and jams and jellies as far as the eye could see. I’m not ashamed to admit that I made multiple trips to the food tables. Every bite filled me with added delight. Whoever made the tiny cookies, filled with a strawberry cream, and encrusted in sugar is my hero.
We were taught by a tea master about the history of tea as well as the vast array of tea varieties. We tasted several teas and learned about the methods for creating each cup of goodness. The main speaker shared ways to fill our cups by focusing on God’s deep love for us. Lastly, and my daughter’s favorite, we watched a demonstration on how to create crystallized flowers for eating. This last lesson taught me that just about anything will taste good covered in sugar. After returning home I ordered a bag of loose tea leaves and an infuser because I’ll never taste tea the same way.
While I enjoyed the demonstrations and speakers immensely, the greatest part of the day was taking time to fellowship and relax. My daughter and her friends sat at tables without devices. Shockingly, so did the adults. Once we climbed back into our car, I realized that I hadn’t checked my phone the entire time. I sat with one of my dearest friends whom, thanks to life and kids, we only share quick interludes in passing these days. I gleaned more wisdom from women who have been mentors to me for years. I hugged new friends and caught up with cherished ones whom I usually only see in the hallway on Sundays. I listened. I shared. I cried. I laughed so hard, I had tears streaming down my face.
I unplugged from busyness and plugged into people. My life is seasoned with friendships that have steeped to perfection (pardon the tea pun). This weekend I savored the time I have with the loving and wise women in my church family. My daughter observed layers of generational wisdom as women shared their stories and build up one another. This weekend I was reminded to stop and smell the rose infused tea. Instead of passing and wishing, I am determined to unplug and enjoy a cup of tea with those I’m blessed to have in my life.
(A special thank you to Janna, Leighanne, Stephanie, and Sue for inviting us all to tea)
